Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
MUSCOGEE LODGE 2019 PLANBOOK
2
Table of Contents
Letter from Lodge Chief 3
Letter from Scout Executive 4
Lodge Calendar 4
Muscogee Lodge in Brief 5
Lodge Leadership 6-7
Position and Committee Descriptions 8-9
Chapter Information 10-12
Lodge Events 12-13
National Program Opportunities 14-15, 23
Lodge Goals 16
Lodge Budget 16-17
Obligation 18
Song 18
Mission 18
Purpose 18
Membership Levels 19
Brotherhood Study Guide 20-21
Online Resources 22
Lodge History 24-29
Lodge Rules 30-35
Letter from the Lodge Chief
“Brothers, some have been found who are willing to spend themselves in serving others“
As the members of the Order of the Arrow, we are all asked to give service back unto
our troops and council. As a repayment to those whom elected us as worthy candidates to the OA. Each Arrowman provides service in different ways; some strive for positions of significance, like Lodge Chief. Others remain in the background helping with service projects and having a Cheerful attitude towards life and its daily challenges. Service comes in many forms, and each is equally important to the success and future of the Order of the Arrow. “You must remember that this obligates you to a life of cheerful service, and that membership in our Order is given, not only for what you have done, but for what you are expected to do in the future, for your journey is just beginning”
Above is a quote from Allowat Sakima during the ordeal ceremony, imploring you as a member of the OA to give yourself to meaningful service. Providing it whenever you can, never having a poor attitude when a challenge is placed in front of you. As a fellow Brother in the Order of the Arrow, I implore you to keep with the goal and promise that you pledged in the Obligation of our Order. Remember that Service comes in all forms, not just one. To lead those through service in your troop and lodge whenever you can.
Yours in WWW,
Kevin Adam TidwellMuscogee Lodge Chief 2018-2019
3
Letter from the Scout Executive
My Fellow Arrowmen,
For 77 years, the Muscogee Lodge of the Order of the Arrow has welcomed thousands into its ranks who best reflect the values of the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. Our members have maintained strong camping traditions and spirit, promoted year-round camping, and provided cheerful service to thousands of others. Importantly, they have also helped countless others live up to the high ideals of good Scouting by example. I am proud of the accomplishments of my fellow Arrowmen and encourage use of this Planbook as a guide for good Scouting in the year ahead. Thank you for your involvement in and dedication to the great Muscogee Lodge!
Yours in Cheerful Service, Wimachtendienk, Wingolauchsik, Witahemui, Douglas W. StoneWuliechsinSupreme Chief of the Fire
Muscogee Lodge 2019 Calendar
Chief’s Retreat Jan 5, 2019
Banquet Jan 5, 2019
Spring Ordeal Mar 15-17, 2019
DIXIE 2018 Apr 26-28, 2019
Spring Fellowship May 17-19, 2019
Summer SUPER Ordeal & Fellowship Aug 8-11, 2019
Day of Service Sep 7, 2019
Fall Fellowship Oct 11-13, 2019
LLDC Nov 9, 20194
Muscogee Lodge serves the Indian Waters Council #553 of the midlands of South Carolina, which consists of: Fairfield, Kershaw, Richland, Lexington, Saluda, Calhoun, Orangeburg, and Bamberg
Counties.
The lodge is divided into five Chapters to better serve the Council consisting of:
Ehalluchsit (serves the Congaree River District)Wischiki (serves the Wateree & Catawba River Districts)
Tschitanek Woakus (serves the Chinquapin District)Sukeu Sipo (serves the Edisto River District)
Tschitaneu Aptonagan (serves the Etowah Creek District)
The location of an Arrowman’s troop determines the chapter in which he will be a member.
Muscogee Lodge in Brief
EhalluchsitWischiki
Tschitanek Woakus
Tschitaneu Aptonagan
Sukeu Sipo
5
Lodge Leadership
Kevin TidwellLodge Chief
Dan WagnerLodge Adviser
Glenn Robinson Staff Adviser
Caleb BarnesVC Program
John CueninProgram Adviser
Joseph CarusoVC Inductions
vacantInductions Adviser
William WebbVC Communications
William McCormickCommunications Adviser
Ryan HattrichVC Indian Affairs
Bryan BarnesIndian Affairs Adviser
Wade FletcherTreasurer
Scott BrowyTreasurer Adviser
Tommy KepleySecretary
vacantSecretary Adviser
Lodge Leadership(continued)
Program Committees Dixie Chair Chandler Hackett Adviser Michael Farrell
Food Service Chair Crawford FallerAdviser Robert Dabbs
Health/Safety Chair Kevin Tidwell Adviser Bob Cope
Religious Chair vacantAdviser Scott Simpson
Service Chair Jacob WoodsAdviser Fred Stephens
Store Chair William OstergaardAdviser Carol Haines
Induction Committees
Brotherhood Chair Travis GordonAdviser Scott Simpson
CP/UE Chair vacantAdviser Matt Catoe
Ceremonies Chair Tommy KepleyAdviser CJ Kittle
Ordeal Chair Gerald WilliamsAdviser George Faller
Vigil Chair Hunter HackettAdviser Jeff Bloom
Indian Affairs Committees Dance Chair Jonathan GuillardAdviser vacant
Drum/Sing Chair Gerald WilliamsAdviser vacant
TiPi Chair Will KepleyAdviser Jay Leeper
Other Committees Founder's Chair vacantAdviser Mason Thomas
Training Chair vacantAdviser vacant
Webmaster Joshusa WebbAdviser William McCormick
Spirit Chair Joshua PrevetteAdviser vacant
7
Position and Committee Descriptions
Dixie Chairmen: responsible for managing the Lodge’s presence at Dixie, this includes but is not limited to, making spirit items and memorabilia, organizing competitors for quest events and finding adult volunteers to serve as judges.
Food Service Chairmen: reports to the lodge Kitchen Manager and sits in on the ECM Meetings and organizes menus for lodge events.
Health & Safety Chairmen: responsible for managing health forms at events, managing the first aid kit, and helping to provide first aid at events as needed. Inputs most recent med form reciept into LodgeMaster. Religious Services Chairmen: oversees creating and running any religious services offered by the lodge, such as Sunday church services and prayers at meals.
Service Chairmen: responsible for finding and overseeing service projects conducted at lodge events, this includes working with the VC Program to provide service at Fellowships and coordinating with the Vice Chief of Inductions to ensure work tasks for candidates at Ordeal Weekends.
Store Chairmen: includes the tasks of setting up and breaking down the store and making transactions for items sold.
Brotherhood Chairmen: responsible for managing all things related to brotherhood conversion, such as leading study sessions, finding available to youth and adult brothers to serve on the Brotherhood Board, and working with the Ceremonies Chairmen to conduct the ceremony.
CP/UE Chairmen: is responsible for everything involved with conducting effective CP/UE’s. this includes leading and organizing training sessions, and working with the camp director of Camp Barstow to ensure that the latest information about the camp is relayed to our units.
Ceremonies Chairmen: this youth oversees all the ceremonies conducted by the Lodge, making sure there is a set of trained Ceremonialists ready whenever one is needed. 8
Ordeal Chairmen: oversees making sure everything about the ordeal goes smoothly. This includes coordinating with the Service Chairmen to make sure there are tasks to be done, and with the Ceremonies Chairmen to make sure all the ceremonies are properly conducted. This in addition to the general task of properly conducting the ordeal as a whole.
Vigil Chairmen: responsible for conducting the selection process, as well as overseering the call-out and induction ceremony for those selected annually. Dance Chairmen: preferably a skilled Dancer himself capable of working with the Indian Affairs Advisor and VC of Indian Affairs to recruit and train dancers to perform as needed in places like Dixie, NOAC or troop demonstrations.
Drum/Sing Chairmen: preferably skilled enough to be capable of training members of the Drum/Sing team. He is also in charge of assisting the VC of Indian Affairs in recruiting additional members to the team.
Tipi Chairmen: responsible for providing education on the use and history of native Tipi’s. Setting up and providing knowledge upon request.
Founder’s Award Chairmen: oversees working with Founder’s Award Advisor to select the year’s recipients and recognize them appropriately.
Training Chairmen: directly in charge of managing both the content and presenters for the training sessions at lodge events, ensuring sessions are theme oriented and informative.
Webmaster: responsible for adding, retracting and curating the content of website as directed by the VC of Communications, such as keeping leadership information accurate and updating pictures from previous events.
Spirit Chairmen: responsible for making sure Muscogee Lodge has very spirited and active events. This includes leading cheers and songs at campfires at Fellowships or Dixie and recommending things like spirit items and themes at lodge business meetings.
9
Ehalluchsit (Congaree River District)
EhalluchsitWischiki
Tschitanek Woakus
Tschitaneu Aptonagan
Sukeu Sipo
Daniel LacosteChapter Chief
Darrin LuksikChapter Adviser
Will Kepley Chapter Vice ChiefKevin Slade Chapter Secretary
Don GignilliantChapter Adviser
Wischiki(Wateree & Catawba River Districts)
EhalluchsitWischiki
Tschitanek Woakus
Tschitaneu Aptonagan
Sukeu Sipo
Harrison GignilliantChapter Chief
Joseph Bleifield Chapter Vice ChiefWes Fletcher Chapter Secretary
10
Tschitanek Woakus (Chinquapin District)
EhalluchsitWischiki
Tschitanek Woakus
Tschitaneu Aptonagan
Sukeu Sipo
Peter StoneChapter Chief
Michael HillerChapter Adviser
Keels Braga Chapter Vice Chief Eli Bostick Chapter Secretary [email protected]
Sukeu Sipo(Edisto River District)
EhalluchsitWischiki
Tschitanek Woakus
Tschitaneu Aptonagan
Sukeu Sipo
Travis GordonChapter Chief
Brad HuttoChapter Adviser
vacant Chapter Vice Chiefvacant Chapter Secretary
11
Tschitaneu Aptonogan (Etowah Creek District)
EhalluchsitWischiki
Tschitanek Woakus
Tschitaneu Aptonagan
Sukeu Sipo
Troy McNallChapter Adviser
Joshua Webb Chapter Vice ChiefJoshua Tavella Chapter Secretary
Banquet
The annual Banquet, typically held in early January, is an opportunity to recognize arrowmen for their achievements in the past year. A catered dinner is provided, during which a presentation is made by a guest speaker. The event also includes a silent patch auction for those interested.
Fellowships
Three times a year, Muscogee’s brothers gather at Camp Barstow for a weekend of fun and fellowship. Starting on Friday night with a campfire and ending on Sunday with a chapel service. Fellowships are great opportunities to promote chapter spirit and competition. Chapters compete in a variety of events such as basketball, football, ultimate frisbee, ceremony teams, and of course, spirit! One-hour service projects are conducted Saturday morning, and a business meeting is typically scheduled shortly after lunch. Saturday
evenings present opportunities such as a patch auction and the world-famous Barstow Cinema. All meals (with the exception of Friday night dinner) are included in the registration fee, as well as two cracker-barrels.
Jonathan Huffstetler Chapter Chief
12
Section Conclave, a.k.a. Dixie Fellowship
Imagine, if you will, a typical Muscogee Fellowship multiplied by 10. This is just about the only way to describe this one of a kind OA experience. Once a year, ten lodges from South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia are jammed into a single camp for an action-packed three days of spirit and competition. Throughout the weekend, lodges compete in multiple areas of expertise such as best newsletter to Native American events such as best drum/sing team. Friday night’s opening show sets the mood and kicks things off. The numerous competitions are held at a scheduled time on Saturday, and end just before sundown. Awards are presented after chapel on Sunday morning before we say farewell to our brothers until the next year.
LLDC
Muscogee’s annual Lodge Leadership Development Conference is generally held the same day at the Banquet, and is a training event for newly elected lodge and chapter officers. This one-day event is mandatory for both youth officers and their corresponding adult adviser.
Work Days & Beaver Days
What would a Brotherhood of Cheerful Service be without cheerful service? Work days, also know as “beaver days” are scheduled throughout the year to knock out any projects that need to be accomplished around Camp Barstow.
13
14
Who: Every Arrowman, with or without experience! What: A ‘hackathon’ with Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced tracks When: June 26th-30th, 2019Where: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Cost: $295 registration fee, $30 late fee after May 1stHow: Visit oa-bsa.org/hackathon for more information
2019 OA Hackathon
SPARK INNOVATION | SOLVE PROBLEMS | SHARE KNOWLEDGE
2019
Novice
Have no experience, but still interested? No worries, everyone is welcome attend the 2019 OA Hackathon. Novice delegates will focus on experiences and learning new skills, both in technical and in leadership aspects. They will compete in an innovative display and have the opportunity to earn merit badges and possible requirements for Nova awards.
Intermediate
Intermediate delegates will spend half of the program gaining technical and leadership skills and then will compete against each other in a typical “hackathon.” Delegates will be challenged in a 24 hour competition to solve problems through technological efforts to mitigate a real-world issue within our organization. These Arrowmen should have some exposure to computer programming before arrival.
Advanced
Advanced delegates will work together in teams made with varying technical knowledge to brainstorm and develop innovative technical solutions. This will be the more typical hackathon program, as delegates challenge each other to help develop solutions to assist lodges around the country. Arrowmen participating in this track should have experience in coding in multiple programming languages.
#HackOA
The 2019 OA Hackathon will focus on enabling Arrowmen to integrate technology and problem solving to meet new and evolving needs as
the Order of the Arrow continues into its second century.
Lodge Goals
• Increase fellowship attendance to at least 221 members per event• Increase attendance at Ordeals to at least 50 members per event• Form two ceremonies teams of at least 4 members and have understudies to cover in absence of ceremonialists• Provide better training and OA programs, and promote the OA Troop Representative Program• Recharter as a Gold Level in Journey to Excellence• Win the Lodge of the Year Award at the Dixie Fellowship• Provide effective service to our council and our council's camp• End the year with a balanced budget, if not a small surplus• Assist the council with more of their programs, such as Scout Reach, and Webelos crossover ceremonies• Aid the council by providing a sufficient staff for the summer camp program• Promote the Order of the Arrow High Adventure Programs• Send a full quota of delegates to NLS in 2019
2019 Proposed Lodge Budget
INCOME Activities Income $25,635 Winter Banquet $2,400 Dixie Fellowship $5,000 Spring Fellowship $5,250 Summer Fellowship $7,735
Fall Fellowship $5,250
Merchandise & Insignia $15,000Inductions $7,720Dues $7,200Patch Auctions $5,000 TOTAL INCOME $60,555 EXPENSES Activities Expenses $27,100 Fall Fellowship $6,200 Winter Banquet $3,000 Spring Fellowship $5,800 Dixie Fellowship $4,600 Summer Fellowship $5,500
Ordeal Expenses $2,000
Merchandise & Insignia $5,00016
2019 Proposed Lodge Budget (continued)Inductions $5,000Publications $1,000FOS $5,000Recognition & Awards $1,725 Founders Award $125 Vigil Honor $700
Other Recognition $900
Indian Affairs $3,700 Ceremonies $1,500 Dance $1,500 TeePee $400
Drum/Sing $300
Recharter $2,000Postage & Communications $1,000Equipment $500Camp Promotions & Unit Elections $500Chapter Fund $750 Ehalluchsit #1 $150 Wischiki #2 $150 Tschitanek Woakus #3 $150
Sukeu Sipo #4 $150
T Aptongagan #5 $150 Health & Safety $150LLDC $300OA Summer Camp Meetings $300Chief’s Fund $300Service $300Staff for Summer Camp $625Campership $2,000Scholarship $2,500 TOTAL EXPENSES $60,500 TOTAL INCOME $60,555 TOTAL EXPENSES $60,500 CARRYOVER $0 BALANCE $55
17
MissionThe mission of the Order of the Arrow is to fulfill its purpose as an integral part of the Boy Scouts of America through positive youth leadership under the guidance of selected capable adults.
PurposeAs Scouting’s National Honor Society, our purpose is to:
• Recognize those who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and through that recognition cause others to conduct themselves in a way that warrants similar recognition.
• Promote camping, responsible outdoor adventure, and environmental stewardship as essential components of every Scout’s experience, in the unit, year-round, and in summer camp.
• Develop leaders with the willingness, character, spirit and ability to advance the activities of their units, our Brotherhood, Scouting, and ultimately our nation.
• Crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.
The ObligationI do hereby promise, on my honor as a Scout, that I will always and faithfully observe and preserve the traditions of the Order of the Arrow, Wimachtendienk, Wingolauchsik, Witahemui. I will always regard the ties of the brotherhood in the Order of the Arrow as lasting, and will seek to preserve a cheerful spirit, even in the midst of irksome tasks and weighty responsibilities, and will endeavor, so far as in my power lies, to be unselfish in service and devotion to the welfare of others.
The OA Song
18
Membership LevelsWhile there are three levels of membership (called "honors") in the Order of the Arrow, all members—regardless of honor—are considered equal.
InductionThe induction ceremony, called the Ordeal, is the first step toward full membership in the Order. During the experience, candidates maintain silence, receive small amounts of food, work on camp improvement projects, and sleep apart from other campers. The entire experience is designed to teach significant values. All candidates for membership must complete the Ordeal.
Brotherhood MembershipAfter 10 months of service as an Ordeal member and fulfilling certain requirements, a member may take part in the Brotherhood ceremony, which places further emphasis on the ideals of Scouting and the Order. Completion of this ceremony signifies full membership in the Order.
Vigil HonorAfter two years of exceptional service as a Brotherhood member, and with the approval of the national Order of the Arrow committee, a Scout or Scouter may be recognized with the Vigil Honor for their distinguished contributions to their lodge, the Order of the Arrow, Scouting, or their Scout camp. This honor is bestowed by special selection and is limited to one person for every 50 members registered with the lodge each year.
19
Brotherhood Study Guide
The following are requirements for brotherhood membership in Muscogee lodge:
1. Have a current Boy Scout, Venturer, or Scouter registration and actively participate in your unit’s program.To be an active Arrowman, you must be registered in some official capacity with Indian Waters Council 553 or a member Scouting unit of the Council.
2. Have paid your lodge dues through the current year.Lodge dues are $12 per year. Dues may be paid online from the Lodge website – www.muscogeelodge.org.
Note: In order to receive lodge mailings, attend lodge events, or wear the Muscogee Lodge Flap on your uniform you must be dues paid. 3. Have a minimum of 10 months active service since the completion of your Ordeal. 4. Possess a thorough understanding of the customs and traditions of the Ordeal including memorization of the following: a. The OA Song (on page XX) b. The Obligation of the Order of the Arrow (on page XX) c. The Admonition “AHOALTON” Which means to love one another d. The Sign Done with your right arm moving away from your left shoulder as if drawing an arrow from a quiver. e. The Handclasps of the Ordeal Membership Done with the left hand interlocking two fingers (the ring and pinky fingers).
To help in your understanding of the customs and traditions of the Ordeal, it is suggested that you attend at least one Pre- Ordeal and Ordeal ceremony (other than your own).
5. Carve an arrow a minimum of six (6) inches and a maximum of twelve (12) inches in lengths of NATURAL MATERIAL. The arrow must have a carved head and fletchings of which you are proud.Questions about the carved arrow should be directed to the
20
Brotherhood Chairman of the lodge.
6. Write a letter to the Brotherhood Board explaining the following: a. Explain what you think the obligation means to you. b. Describe how you have used your understanding of the Obligation in your troop or post, and in your daily life, and how you have used your understanding of the Ordeal to aid in this service. c. Describe your plan for giving service in the Lodge program.
A list of questions that may be asked during your Brotherhood Board can be found on the resources page on the lodge website,
www.muscogeelodge.org.
21
Online Resources
Lodge Website - www.muscogeelodge.org
Contains all of our local event and membership information. You can find all the answers on this site.
Section Website - www.sr5.org
Contains all of the information on our section, including the Dixie Fellowship, the main event every lodge looks forward to each year.
Region Website - southern.oa-bsa.org
The Southern Region is comprised of several different sections. This site includes information on regional gatherings and trainings.
National Website - oa-bsa.org
The national website contains information on general policies and procedures as well as information on all National Events such as NOAC, Hack-A-Thon, etc.
OA High Adventure Website - oa-bsa.org/high-adventure
This site has all of the latest and greatest with information on each OA High Adventure Activity available, and
is an excellent resource to show you what a fun time will be had.
22
Muscogee Lodge History
June 15, 1942 marked two beginnings for scouting in central South Carolina. One was the official opening of the new Camp Barstow at its Gaston area location. The other beginning was the chartering of Muscogee Lodge #221. Mr. J. Rucker Newbery, editor of the first OA handbook, and the degree team from Augusta, GA helped to start the lodge and performed the first ceremonies. Interestingly, the first tap-out was conducted by Scoutmaster “Mickie” Emrie, who was not an arrowman at the time, but went on to be very supportive of the OA in its early years. The lodge held its first meeting on November 20-21, 1942 and is considered as the forerunner of today’s fellowships. By 1944 Muscogee Lodge had grown large enough to finally have 50 candidates to pass their Ordeal. Also, in 1944 Muscogee Lodge assisted Indian Waters’ Council President Frank Needham in making a film to promote camping at camp Barstow called, “A Day in Camp.”
On March 14-16, 1947 Muscogee Lodge hosted the first Area Z Conclave meeting at Camp Barstow. Roscoe Stevens, who was then Scout Executive, was also the Area Z leader that year. This is probably the main reason why Muscogee Lodge was chosen to host this pioneer event. For only three dollars, the brothers of Area Z came together for this historic event.
In 1949 Muscogee Lodge issued its first patch, a five-inch round neckerchief patch, was sold along with a white silk neckerchief that was made from an old parachute. The neckerchief and patch sold, as a set, for five dollars. Because of the high cost they sold rather slowly and were still being sold in the mid-fifties. In 1950 National realigned the areas, this move dissolved Area Z and we became part of Area 6-B composed of the lodges from North and South Carolina. Muscogee Lodge set another first that year by hosting the first Area 6-B meeting at Camp Barstow.
We were not with our North Carolina friends for long, for realignment faced us again in 1953. Again we hosted the first conclave of Area 6-C, that we participated in as a member lodge. Two years later, in 1955 the lodge issued its first pocket flap which had a notch for the button and was a modification of the first patch. On April 8-10, 1960 Muscogee Lodge hosted the Area 6-C “Golden Jubilee Fellowship” at Camp Barstow. while no conclave was held 1969, but Muscogee Lodge
hosted a Regional Training Session at Camp Barstow instead. We remained in Area 6-C for twenty years.
In 1973 National once again realigned the sections; when this
24
move took place, we entered into Section SE-3B, made up of lodges of South Carolina and part of North Carolina. This new section’s conclave took the nickname from the area to which many of the member lodges had previously belonged and became known as the “Dixie Fellowship.” In 1974 under Lodge Chief Chuck Bowen, the lodge tried to implement a lodge committee system. Committees had existed in the very early years of the lodge but had long since dissolved. This attempt to renew committees did not last long; however, in the late seventies Charlie Fitzsimmons and Devadas Lynton developed the committee system, which with only a few changes is still used today. Also, in 1974 Muscogee Lodge had its first fellowship patch made.
A major step at making the Lodge more organized came at the 1976 Summer Fellowship where a very vague Constitution was approved. These early constitutions were also vague and short lived. Beginning with this 1976 version, the lodge has continually operated under some constitution or set of lodge rules. At the 1977 Summer Fellowship Muscogee Lodge divided into two chapters. This chapter system lasted only one year, and in 1978 the lodge was re-divided into four chapters: Ehalluchsit, Wischiki, Tschitanek Woakus, and Sukeu Sipo.
Many changes in ceremonies and inductions occurred about this same time. Following the Brotherhood ceremony at the 1976 Summer Fellowship, aspects of the ceremonies were changed to meet the standards set by National. In the summer of 1977, the pageant house was given to the OA since the American Heritage Pageant was no longer being performed. The next year, 1978, the legend was removed from the tap-out ceremony in order to meet the National Policy. Also that summer at NOAC Brad Hutto purchased a conference sign and gave it to the lodge. In August of 1978 the first “Fox’s Tale,” was published, the name of which, was suggested by Staff Advisor Bill Tyson. For some years prior to this, going back at least as far as 1973, the lodge had published a newsletter called, “The Muscogee Arrowman.” This early newsletter was published very irregularly. The introduction of the Fox’s Tale was the beginning of the regularly published newsletter. Also, in 1978 the first Lodge Officers Training Conference was held.
April 18-20, 1980 Muscogee Lodge under the leadership of SE-3B Dixie Vice Chief Devadas Lynton hosted the Dixie Fellowship at Camp Barstow; the theme for the weekend was, “Kindling the Flame.” The quota was set for 35 brothers per Lodge and a total of 322 brothers attended; Bill Downs, the National Executive Secretary for the OA, was a featured guest. Also in 1980 the first Lodge Plan Book was published and Muscogee Lodge sent the second largest delegation to the National Indian Seminar in St. Louis;
25
the Indian Affairs and the Dance Team showed a big surge in 1979, and peaked in 1980 and 1981.
In 1981 under Lodge Chief William B. O’Tuel, we again began having Lodge Banquets, and they were no longer restricted to only Fathers and sons, instead, the Arrowman’s entire family was invited to attend. In 1982 the sections were again realigned resulting in the loss of three North Carolina Lodges, but the return of two of our Georgia friends, Bobwhite and Tomo Chi Chi. The result was section SE-5. In December 1982, William O’Tuel, a two-term Muscogee Lodge Chief who was currently Section Chief was elected to the office of National Vice-Chief and remains the highest National position anyone in Muscogee has ever held.
In 1983, Muscogee Lodge was recognized Nationally with the E. Urner Goodman Camping Award. This award is given annually to the top twelve lodges in the nation that excel in camping promotions. That year the lodge donated five hundred dollars for the purchase of a P.A. System for the camp.
In late 1984 the lodge donated three thousand seven hundred dollars to renovate the kitchen. While this work was being done the OA’s storage room was built on the side of the Dining Hall. It was discovered that same year that pine beetles had infested the area around the lodge ceremony ring near campsite T.K. Legare. Once the infested trees had been removed, the ring had been so badly destroyed and the area was so desolate that rebuilding was hopeless. This upset many lodge brothers because this had been the ceremony ring since 1958, and had been used continuously since it was first built.
April 26-28, 1985 Muscogee Lodge, under the direction of SE-5 Dixie Vice Chief Tripp Clark, hosted the Dixie Fellowship at Camp Barstow. The theme celebrated was, “70 years in the Spirit,” this was in honor of the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the OA, and over four hundred people were in attendance for this event. The following year at the 1986 Dixie Fellowship, hosted by Bob White Lodge, Muscogee Lodge gave the strongest showing that anyone could remember the lodge ever giving at a section meeting. The lodge won awards for best newsletter and planbook, and retired the ceremony plaque having won it three years in a row. The lodge placed second in the Quest for the Golden Arrow and in the lodge display competition. Muscogee Lodge
also won the Norman Alston Spirit Award and was chosen as Section Honor Lodge, the top lodge in SE-5 overall. Muscogee Lodge won six of twelve competitive awards.
26
In 1987 the lodge also committed itself to the task of raising fifty thousand dollars to erect a Training Conference building at Camp Barstow in memory of two-term Muscogee Lodge Chief William B. O’Tuel. In the summer of 1987, a new “Muscogee Lodge Welcomes You,” sign was erected at the entrance of Camp Barstow under the direction of Dexter Loeble with assistance from Mike Brugh, Curtis Pruitt, and others. In 1988 Muscogee Lodge sent a delegation of ten Arrowmen to the 1988 NOAC at Colorado State University. At this conference, the “FOX’S TALE,” was chosen as the top newsletter in the Nation.
The 1990 Dixie Fellowship, hosted by Atta Kula Kula Lodge at Camp Old Indian, once again Muscogee Lodge, was awarded the Section Lodge of the Year Award, formerly known as Section Honor Lodge Award, for the fifth consecutive year. In the summer of 1991 Muscogee Lodge sent a delegation of ten Arrowmen and three staff members to the 1991 NOAC at Indiana University. Also a new lodge flap, designed by Justin Ferrick, was introduced to the lodge.
In 1993 Muscogee lodge hosted the Dixie Fellowship. This fellowship was unusual because it was held at Fort Jackson, not at Camp Barstow. The theme for the event was, “A New Beginning,” and eleven lodges were in attendance. The Dixie Vice-Chief that year was Dexter Loeble.In 1995 Muscogee Lodge and the Indian Waters Council said goodbye to Camp Barstow in Gaston, SC only to say hello to the new Camp Barstow on the Little Saluda River. The first summer of operation for the new Camp Barstow was in 1996; however Muscogee Lodge began holding Fellowships and Ordeals at the new camp as early as August 1995. Starting at the 1997 Dixie Fellowship hosted by Unali’yi Lodge, Muscogee Lodge won the Lodge of the Year Award four consecutive times. The first was a four-way tie with Bob White Lodge, Santee Lodge, Atta Kulla Kulla Lodge, and Muscogee Lodge in 1997. Muscogee would go on to retain the Lodge of the Year in 1998, 1999, and in 2000 which brought the total number of years having won the award since its inception in 1986 to eleven.
Muscogee Lodge made a change during the summer of 2003 when the decision was made to re-divide the Chapters into five from the previous four, and it would later be named Tschitaneu Aptonagan.
When 2005 finally arrived Muscogee Lodge and the Indian Waters Council were racing against time to finish the upgrades to Camp Barstow before the 2005 Dixie Fellowship, but more importantly for the re-opening of Camp Barstow for Summer Camp. The Lodge continued to work on the new and improved Council Ring, which would hold over 1,000 Arrowmen for the first time in
27
April of 2005. Working through 2005 and into 2006 things throughout the Lodge would change. We would re-charter as a National Quality Lodge and later go on to win Lodge of the Year at the 2006 Dixie Fellowship hosted by Bob White Lodge. Also, during 2006 the decision was reached after much discussion to raise our Fellowship fees so that we could continue to provide more for our growing program, 2007 would be a hectic year for Muscogee Lodge, as we had two lodge chiefs. The first, Mason Thomas, went on to being elected Section Chief for SR-5 and later to become the first Southern Region Chief from Muscogee. The second Lodge Chief, Chris Browy, would take the reigns and help lead the lodge to retain the distinction of National Quality Lodge.
Muscogee sent a large delegation of Arrowmen to the 2009 National Order of the Arrow Conference at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. We placed first in Ultimate Frisbee and fourth in Southern Drum and Sing.
In July 24-30, 2011, Muscogee sent 14 delegates to SummitCorps at the future site of the National Jamboree, the Summit Bechtel Family Reserve in Glen Jean, West Virginia. The next day, another contingent of 13 was sent to Indian Summer at the Ridgecrest Conference Center in Asheville, NC
Until 2013, we hosted three (Spring, Summer, and Fall) ordeal weekends and three fellowship weekends at Camp Barstow. In 2013, we decided to combine the summer ordeal and fellowship weekend into one long Super Summer Fellowship weekend (Thursday through Sunday), which has been a big hit with our lodge. At the 2013 Super Summer Fellowship, we broke an attendance record with 224 brothers attending.
We sent a delegation of just under 40 arrowmen to the 2012 NOAC. There, Matthew Barnes placed 3rd in the Prairie Chicken Dance, Muscogee also had success in the Ultimate Frisbee competition, winning first place in 2009 and 2012.
For the Centennial 100 years of the OA NOAC in August 2015 at Michigan State University, we once again (this being the third time) came home as champions in Ultimate Frisbee. Caleb Barnes placed 3rd Overall in the Prairie Chicken Dance. At the Summer Fellowship later that August, we awarded eight honored Arrowmen with the Centurion Award. This once in a lifetime award was awarded to recognize those who have given
outstanding youth and/or adult service to the lodge, section, region, and on the national level.
July 2016, we sent a delegation of eight Arrowmen to OA
28
Prism at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. Just a few weeks later, we sent a delegation of five Arrowmen to Indiana University for OA NEXT. Through each of these events, the participants brought back new ideas and ways for lodge improvement.
January 7th, 2017 we launched the 75th Anniversary of our lodge with our annual lodge banquet. This year we had the opportunity to host the Dixie Fellowship for the first time in over a decade. With over 100 Arrowmen in the Dixie Delegation and almost 250 Arrowmen, Scouts, and Scouters serving as host lodge staff, Dixie was a success this lodge will remember for years to come. A total of five Arrowmen served on the OA Service Corps and a total of 27 from our lodge served on staff for the 2017 National Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. Cumulatively, including all lodge events for this year, we had 30 past Lodge Chiefs, six Section or Area Chiefs from Muscogee, five other Section officers from Muscogee, one Southern Region Chief from Muscogee, and one charter member in attendance at the annual events.
Muscogee Lodge # 221 is now moving into its 77th year of existence. We are proud of our history and look forward to any challenges we may face in the future, while continuing to promote the ideals of Scouting, promote camping and responsible outdoor adventure, and to develop leaders of character. For a full in depth look at the history of Muscogee Lodge, visit our website at www.muscogeelodge.org/about/history.
29
LODGE RULES
Section I: Organization of the Lodge
A. The name of this lodge of the Order of the Arrow, WWW, will be Muscogee Lodge #221.B. The lodge will be affiliated with the Indian Waters Council, Boy Scouts of America, and will be under the supervision of the Boy Scout Committee and the administrative authority of the Scout Executive.C. The totem of the lodge will be the Red Fox.D. The lodge will be divided into chapters corresponding to the districts of the council.E. If a chapter consisting of two or more districts of the council wishes to divide into separate chapters, it may petition the lodge for realignment. The realignment will be granted only after each of the following requirements is met:
1) A written letter of intent must be submitted to the Lodge Chief, signed by the Chapter Chief and at least ten brothers for each proposed chapter;2) A two-thirds (2/3) majority of the brothers of each proposed chapter must vote in the affirmative at a special chapter meeting held at the First Lodge Fellowship subsequent to the letter of intent;3) Key Three approval is required prior to action at a Lodge Business Meeting;4) Final approval will be given by a majority vote at a Lodge Business Meeting. Any new chapter granted by such action will commence organization no sooner than the nearest Summer Fellowship to the vote. At that time, each new Chapter will elect its officers in accordance with Rule III-B.
F. The creation of any lodge memorabilia issue must be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote at a lodge Business Meeting. An “issue” will be defined as any patch, flap, chenille, bullion, or similarly manufactured item, excluding lodge event patches.
Section II: Membership
A. The requirements for membership and elections, and the procedures for all inductions and ceremonies will be in accordance with the latest edition of the Order of the Arrow Handbook and any corresponding ceremonial pamphlet.
B. To be an active brother in Muscogee Lodge, a brother will be registered with the Boy Scouts of America in the Indian Waters Council and will have paid his current lodge dues.C. All policies of the National Committee of the Order of the
30
Arrow will be adhered to at all times.D. Completion of the Brotherhood Membership will be in accordance with the current printing of the Order of the Arrow handbook, under the supervision of the Brotherhood Committee.E. Attainment of the Vigil Honor will be in accordance with the current printing of the Order of the Arrow Handbook, under the supervision of the Vigil Honor Committee.F. The Lodge Secretary will accept transfers only with the approval of the Lodge Chief and the Lodge Adviser.
Section III: Officers
A. The officers of the Lodge will be: Lodge Chief, Vice-Chief of Program, Vice-Chief of Communications, Vice-Chief of Indian Affairs, Vice-Chief of Inductions, Lodge Secretary, Lodge Treasurer, and the Chapter Chiefs.B. All Lodge Officers will be elected at the Business Meeting on Saturday of the Fall Fellowship and immediately installed to office. The term of office will be one year, until the next Fall Fellowship.C. Eligibility for candidates for the offices of the Lodge will be as follows:
1) He will be under 21 years of age for the entire term of office.2) He will be an active member of Muscogee Lodge.3) He will have attended at least two Lodge events during the preceding twelve months.4) To be eligible for any office of the lodge you must be present at the Business Meeting of the Fall Fellowship, unless pre-approved by the current Lodge Key Three.
D. Candidates for the Lodge Offices will be certified of their eligibility by the Nominating Committee. Nominations will also be taken from the floor. The Nominating Committee will be appointed by the Key-3.E. The election of a Lodge Officer will be voided if that officer does not attend the LLDC. He can be excused only by the Lodge Chief in conjunction with the Lodge Adviser and Staff Adviser.F. The Lodge Executive Committee (LEC) may remove any lodge officer from his position, who in their eyes, has not performed his duty. A successor to any office of the Lodge, prior to the completion of the term, will be appointed by the Lodge Chief with the approval of the LEC and will serve until the next Lodge Election can be held. A new Lodge Chief will be selected by the LEC in the event that the present Lodge Chief is unable to fulfill the duties obligations of his office. This appointment will be effective until an election can be held at the next Business Meeting.G. Each chapter will elect its officers at the Fall Fellowship. These officers will be the Chapter Chief, the Vice-Chapter
31
Chief, and the Chapter Secretary.H. A vacancy in chapter office will be filled by a special election at the earliest chapter meeting to the vacancy.I. As the Lodge begins to prepare to host a Dixie Fellowship, a Lodge Dixie Vice-Chief may be elected at any Lodge Business Meeting prior to the Dixie Fellowship. The LEC will choose the date of the election. The Dixie Vice-Chief will then be installed through the coordination of the current Lodge Key-3. His term will extend from the time he is elected until the LEC deems that all business regarding the Dixie Fellowship has been completed.
Section IV: Committees
A. The LEC will be composed of the following: All elected Lodge Officers, the immediate past Lodge Chief, official committee chairman of the Lodge, and the Chapter Chiefs (or their duly appointed representatives).B. The LEC will conduct such business as is necessary between Lodge Business Meetings.C. The Lodge Key-3 will choose to appoint brothers of the Lodge as committee chairmen of committees that they deem necessary.These committees will be considered official committees of the Lodge for the following Lodge year.D. The members of the LEC will be made known to all active brothers so that recommendations may be made for their consideration.E. The members of the Lodge committees will be appointed by the chairmen of the respective committees.F. The Lodge Chief will serve as an ex-officio member of all committees of the Lodge.G. All committee chairmen must be under 21 years of age.H. The Lodge Adviser and the Lodge Chief, working very closely with the committee chairmen, will appoint adult advisers for all committees.I. The Lodge Key-3 will use the adopted structure of the Lodge as a guide in selection proper and necessary committees of the Lodge.
Section V: Meetings & Events
A. The Executive Committee will schedule lodge events every year. During these events, a Lodge Business Meeting can be held if deemed necessary and proper by the Executive Committee.
1) The lodge events for each year will consist of, but not limited to, the following: 1 awards banquet, 3 fellowships, and 2 ordeals.
a) At each lodge fellowship Chapters will be be assigned a campsite based on a rotation schedule so
32
no one chapter has to be the furthest from the Dinig Hall every time. The rotation will be decided by the Vice Chief of Program, and published in the Fox’s Tale, on the lodge website and on the weekend’s schedule.
B. Participation in Section, Regional, and National Order of the Arrow events will be encouraged by the Executive Committee.C. The Lodge Chief may call a special Lodge Business Meeting with the prior approval of the Scout Executive or his designee.
1) Lodge Business Meetings will be held only when all active brothers of the lodge have been notified at least ten (10) days prior to such a meeting.2) A quorum for Lodge Business Meetings will consist of one-tenth (1/10) of the active brothers under 21 years of age.
D. Chapters will schedule meetings and events as decided by the chapter officers and approved by the Lodge Key-3.E. Each Lodge Business Meeting, Lodge Executive Committee Meeting, and chapter meeting will be opened with Obligation of the Order of the Arrow and closed with the song of the Order of the Arrow.F. The Executive Committee will hold all of its meetings open to all brothers of the lodge.
1) The Lodge Chief may call a special meeting of the executive committee with the prior approval of the Scout Executive or his designee.2) A quorum for the Executive Committee meeting will consist of one half (1/2) of the elected Executive Committee members under the age of 21.3) If a voting member is unable to attend an Executive Committee Meeting, he may choose to grant proxy voting rights to another officer or active youth member by way of written statement of such intent and approval from the Lodge Chief and Lodge Adviser. This duly appointed proxy member counts towards the attendance for the meeting when determining a quorum, even if that person already holds a vote needed for the quorum.
G. The lodge committees will meet as often as necessary to faithfully perform their duties.H. Only active brothers of the lodge under the age of 21 will have a vote in the decisions of the lodge.
Section VI: Finances
A. Dues will be collected annually by the Lodge Treasurer in the amount of $12.00. Dues will be due at the Winter Banquet or the brother will be placed in the inactive file. A brother may be restored to active status by paying the
33
current dues, provided the brother meets all other requirements for active membership.B. All reimbursements must be approved by the Executive Committee. Routine operating expenses may be handled by the Key-3.C. All Order of the Arrow funds will be handled through the normal accounting procedures of the Indian Waters Council.D. The fiscal year will be from the induction of one administration until the induction of the next administration. The Lodge Finance Committee will prepare a tentative budget for the next lodge year and will submit it for approval at the Fall Fellowship Business Meeting. Once approved, this tentative budget will serve as the operating budget for the new administration until the Spring Fellowship Business Meeting where it is up for final consideration and may be modified if necessary. Whether or not amendments are needed, the budget must receive final approval at the Spring Fellowship Business Meeting.E. The Lodge Treasurer will present reports of financial activity at all Business Meetings and Executive Committee Meetings.
Section VII: Publications
A. The lodge newsletter the Fox’s Tale will be published at least two (2) weeks prior to the Fall Fellowship, the Winter Banquet, the Spring Fellowship, the Summer Fellowship, and any other time to a maximum of six (6) times each year.B. The Fox’s Tale will be mailed to each dues-paid members of Muscogee Lodge by first class or bulk mail, which ever is cheaper in cost.C. The lodge will publish a planbook each year stating its goals and objectives and all other information deemed appropriate by the Vice Chief of Communications and the Lodge Key-3. The planbook will be published and distributed before the Dixie Fellowship.
Section VIII: Awards
A. The Red Arrow Award of Muscogee Lodge is the highest form of recognition which can be bestowed on any nonmember. It is presented for outstanding contributions over an extended period of time.
1) Certificates of Appreciation are presented to non-members who have made outstanding contributions during the preceding year.
2) The Executive Committee will bestow Red Arrow Awards and Certificates of Appreciation as it deems appropriate.B. The Ralph E. Grier Chapter Award will be presented annually to the outstanding chapter, based on the
34
performance as measured by the criteria for the award. The award will be scored by the Lodge Secretary, as reflected by the Chapter monthly reports which are mailed to both the Lodge Chief and Lodge Secretary by the 15th of each month.C. The Charles K. Youngblood Service Award will be presented to the most outstanding chapter in the area of service, based upon performance as measured by the criteria for the award. The award will be scored by the Lodge Secretary, as reflected by the Chapter monthly reports which are mailed to both the Lodge Chief and Lodge Secretary by the 15th of each month.D. The criteria for the Ralph E. Grier Chapter Award and the Charles Youngblood Chapter Service Award can only be amended by a 2/3 majority vote of the Executive Committee.
Section IX: Parliamentary Procedures
A. Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised will be the final authority in all cases of parliamentary procedure in which they are not inconsistent with the Order of the Arrow Handbook or these rules.B. The Lodge Chief may appoint a parliamentarian to help him interpret procedural questions and a Sergeant at Arms to assist in preserving order.
Section X: Amendments
A. These Lodge Rules will be subject to amendment at any Lodge Business Meeting, provided that written notice of the proposed changes has been submitted to all active brothers of the lodge at least ten (10) days before such a meeting. The proposed changes will have attached, a list of reasons for the proposed changes and the author’s name. A two-thirds (2/3) favorable vote of those present and voting will be required for a change to take place.B. Amendments will become part of the Lodge Rules, completely replacing the former wording, if any.
35
